It felt like June all over again. If you caught the Pacers vs Thunder last game on October 23, 2025, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The energy inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse was vibrating. People haven't forgotten that seven-game war in the NBA Finals just a few months ago. Honestly, most "rematches" fail to live up to the hype, but this one? It was better.
We got double overtime. We got a 55-point explosion. We got the kind of early-season intensity that usually doesn't show up until the playoffs. Oklahoma City walked away with a 141-135 victory, but that score barely scratches the surface of how chaotic this game actually was.
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The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Show
Let's just be real: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing a different sport right now. He finished the Pacers vs Thunder last game with a career-high 55 points. It wasn't just the volume; it was the way he did it. He was 18-of-25 from the floor. He lived at the free-throw line. Every time Indiana looked like they were going to pull away in that second overtime, Shai would just meander into the lane and hit a contested middy or find a way to the cup.
He tied Russell Westbrook for the most 50-point games in franchise history. Think about that for a second. The guy is essentially a walking bucket who never looks like he’s breaking a sweat. It’s sort of frustrating to watch if you’re an Indiana fan, because there’s just no defensive scheme that works when he’s in that zone.
OKC’s Secret Weapon: Ajay Mitchell
While everyone is talking about Shai—and rightfully so—we have to mention Ajay Mitchell. The kid had a career-best 26 points. In a game that featured multiple All-Stars and Finals MVPs, a second-year guard was the one hitting the biggest shots in the first overtime period.
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- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 55 pts, 8 rebs, 5 asts
- Ajay Mitchell: 26 pts, 4 asts
- Jalen Williams: Constant defensive pressure and 18 secondary points
Indiana’s Resilient Response
The Pacers were playing without Tyrese Haliburton, who is still recovering from that devastating Achilles injury he suffered in Game 7 of the Finals. You’d think they would be pushovers without their floor general. Nope. Not this team. Rick Carlisle has these guys playing with a "next man up" mentality that is genuinely impressive.
Bennedict Mathurin was a monster. He put up 36 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. He played 44 minutes. You could see the exhaustion on his face by the time the second OT started, but he kept attacking the rim. Pascal Siakam added his usual steady production, but the lack of a true late-game initiator—someone who can settle things down like Haliburton—really hurt them in the final three minutes.
The Double Overtime Drama
The game went into the first overtime after a frantic sequence where Indiana erased a six-point lead in about forty seconds. It was vintage Pacers. They thrive in the chaos. But in the second OT, the Thunder’s depth and Shai’s sheer individual brilliance finally wore them down.
- First OT: High scoring, trade-off buckets, nobody could get a stop.
- Second OT: OKC locked in defensively; Indiana’s legs clearly gave out.
- Final Result: 141-135, Thunder.
Why This Matchup Still Matters
If you're wondering if the Pacers vs Thunder last game was just a fluke or an early-season outlier, think again. These two teams represent the new guard of the NBA. They don't have the massive luxury tax bills of the Warriors or the Suns. They built through the draft and savvy trades (the Paul George trade tree is still the gift that keeps on giving for both franchises).
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There’s a clear rivalry brewing here. You could see it in the way Chet Holmgren and Myles Turner were chirping at each other under the rim. You could see it in the way the Indy crowd reacted to every whistle. It didn't feel like a random Thursday night in October. It felt like a statement.
What to Watch for Next Time
The Thunder have moved to 2-0, while the Pacers started their season 0-1. But records don't matter much this early. What matters is the health of Tyrese Haliburton. Until he’s back, the Pacers are going to have to win games in the mud. They proved they can compete with the best in the league even at 80% strength, which should terrify the rest of the Eastern Conference.
For the Thunder, the question is whether Shai can sustain this. He’s the reigning MVP for a reason, but 55 points in a double-OT game takes a toll. Fortunately, they have the youngest, deepest roster in the league to help carry the load.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts:
- Monitor Haliburton's Progress: The Pacers' ceiling is entirely dependent on his return timeline. Keep an eye on reports regarding his "return to play" progression in practice.
- Watch Ajay Mitchell's Minutes: If he continues this level of production, he moves from a "nice story" to a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
- Betting Trends: When these two play, take the "Over." Both teams rank in the top five for pace and offensive efficiency.
- Defense Wins Rematches: Indiana needs to find a way to stop the straight-line drives. If they can't contain the initial penetration, Shai will pick them apart every single time.
The next time these two meet is January 23, 2026, at the Paycom Center. Mark your calendars now. If it’s even half as good as the Pacers vs Thunder last game, we are in for a treat.